Welcome to the Vermont Drive-in Theater, home to one of the four
remaining open drive-ins in the Los Angeles County area. Yes, every time
you pass by Artesia and Crenshaw Boulevards, you are welcomed by the immense
screen tower and marquee. Don't forget to stop back again at twilight!
The Vermont Drive-in marquee Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
And then there were three... three remaining L.A. County drive-ins that
is. (At least at this time) When the Vermont was plowed over in the Summer
of 1999, the South Bay saw the last hint of open air entertainment go
down over the horizon. At least there are memories...
(Many thanks to Warren Meyers for tip regarding demolition of the Vermont
Drive-in)
Night shot of the Vermont Drive-in Theater sign Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Vermont Drive-in Theater located at 17737 S. Vermont Avenue in Gardena opened its doors, or actually its lot, in 1947 showing first run moving pictures on its single screen. This theater was one of the first five opened up by Pacific Theaters. Eventually to keep up with competition and business, the Vermont opened two additional screens in the 1970s, however the threat of watching movies from home due to cable TV and VCRs was soon to come. The swap meet on site was also beginning to get complaints from residents as the areas began to get built up with homes.
The drive-in met its match in 1999 and turned into a dirt lot. Today a residential community sits in its place. 11-20
More photos
Ticket booth
Cine-fi sound
Projection booth
Vermont
Drive-in Theatre marquee Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Vermont Drive-in Theatre
Welcome to the 
And then there were three... three remaining L.A. County drive-ins that
is. (At least at this time) When the Vermont was plowed over in the Summer
of 1999, the South Bay saw the last hint of open air entertainment go
down over the horizon. At least there are memories...
The Vermont Drive-in Theater located at 17737 S. Vermont Avenue in Gardena opened its doors, or actually its lot, in 1947 showing first run moving pictures on its single screen. This theater was one of the first five opened up by Pacific Theaters. Eventually to keep up with competition and business, the Vermont opened two additional screens in the 1970s, however the threat of watching movies from home due to cable TV and VCRs was soon to come. The swap meet on site was also beginning to get complaints from residents as the areas began to get built up with homes.
